Our classes

Semester courses

How long does the course on one level last?

The course on a basic level (A1) lasts for two semesters (around 120 hours). Further levels (A2, B and C) usually require a longer period of learning, which usually lasts 3 semesters (around 180 hours).

It is possible, though, that a given student makes progress quicker and is therefore promoted to a more advanced group. But in order to be promoted, the student has to fulfill the following requirements: attendance (at least 70%), active participation in class and passing a test.

What does the course price include? Does it include free consultations and conversations?

The price of the course, that is 980 PLN, includes 54 class periods (27 meetings), extra materials used during the lessons and a certificate of course completion. Every course participant can also take part in conversation lessons which will be held free of charge. The topics of these conversation lessons will be selected on the basis of the interests, expectations and language level of our students.

How will my progress be assessed?

Our teachers prepare a progress report form with the following information: test results, commitment and work during lessons. On this basis, the teachers prepare a final progress report for each student – description of all language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar.

Additionally, in your progress report form you can find advice from your teacher to help you with your further learning. You can also check your progress during the course. Your teacher can talk to you and advise you.

How can I find out what my language level is?

To check your language level it is enough if you come to our school for an interview with one of our Polish teachers. We will also ask you to fill in the written test. Please, be advised that the meeting in our school will take you about 30 minutes. The qualification test is also available on our website.

Feel free to come to us every day, from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 6 pm. Our address is 2/3 Michałowskiego Street.

In determining the level of language proficiency we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which complies with the recommendations of the Council of Europe.

Does the school help in obtaining visas to Poland?

In all visa matters, please turn to one of the Polish diplomatic offices whose addresses are provided on the website of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For the students who enrolled in the Polish language course the school issues documents confirming their enrolment in the course and payment of a relevant deposit. These documents usually help in obtaining visas.

We do not issue invitations.

Are learning materials included in the price?

The price of the textbook (about 70 PLN) needs to be added to the price of the course. Other learning materials are included in the price.

What is the language level required to be communicative in Poland?

It depends if you want to understand simple situations, for example while shopping, ordering dinner, asking for directions, or if you wish to talk about abstract topics and use advanced dialogues.

Simple communication is possible even on A2 level, while B1 is the level which makes it possible to speak freely during most of the typical tourist situations.

Does the course end with an exam?

The progress in learning Polish is regularly checked by tests. During one semester students obligatorily write two tests: one in the middle of the semester and the other at the semester’s end. The final test consist also of an oral part.

The exercises in the test are prepared specifically for each group and they consist of the material taught during the course. Before the tests, there is a revision class which helps students prepare for the exam.
Positive test results and active participation in class guarantee the completion of the course and enable students to continue the course on a more advanced level.

Is it possible to combine individual lessons with a group course?

Of course. You can always book individual lessons, especially when, for example, because of a longer absence you would like to make up for the material you missed. This is also a good way of supplementing your knowledge of Polish with specific vocabulary (for instance, Business Polish).

Will I get a certificate of course completion? Is it recognised by universities?

Every student who passed the final test and attended the classes will receive the certificate of course completion. The certificate provides the following information: type of course, course duration, course language level and number of lessons.

The certificate issued by our centre is not an official document, however, it is recognised by the majority of universities and companies as the document confirming the command of the Polish language at a particular level. Information on state certificate examinations in Polish as a foreign language can be found here.

Are there any age limits for students enrolling in the course?

Of course, there are no upper age limits. :) Intensive courses are for adults, that is for those aged 16 or more. In exceptional circumstances, with the written consent of a student's guardian, we also welcome younger people. Children are usually offered private lessons, or, whenever there is a sufficient number of children willing to learn Polish, we create groups.

What is the language of tuition during the classes?

During lessons we speak and teach using only Polish. Our students come from various parts of the world and the Polish language is often the only "common" language of all students. The communicative method of teaching motivates course participants not only to speak but also to think in a language other than their mother tongue.

All staff members of the Varia School also speak English, which facilitates after-class communication.

What is the method used for teaching Polish at Varia?

The teaching is mainly based on a communicative method. It means that we put the main emphasis on communicative skills in various life situations.

Exercises reflect real-life communication. That is why there is a variety of dialogues, discussions in pairs and small groups and games in class.During the classes we use only Polish, regardless of the language level of a group.

I already speak very good Polish. Can I still learn something new?

Of course. You can always expand your vocabulary with new synonyms, idioms and collocations. The class will cover topics suitable to your language level. You will have the opportunity to discuss literature, culture as well as socio-political and scientific issues.They are a challenge even for those with very good knowledge of Polish.

Does the school offer courses at different language levels?

We teach students at all language levels, from beginner to advanced. The students who have already had contact with the Polish language take a placement test at the beginning of the course. On the basis of the placement test results and an interview with one of our Polish teachers we assign students to appropriate groups. In determining the level of language proficiency we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which complies with the recommendations of the Council of Europe.

Can I pay for the course by credit card in the school?

Yes. We also accept cash and bank transfers into our school bank account.

Can I receive a certificate that I attend the Polish language course? What conditions should be met?

Our students need the certificate to apply for a visa or for the extension of a legal stay in Poland. The certificate is issued to those students who have signed up for a given course and paid the first instalment.

When are the classes held?

Usually, the classes are held from 6.00 to 7.30 pm, but there are also morning groups from 9.30 to 11.00 am or late evening ones from 7.45 to 9.15 pm. You can find a detailed schedule here.

Where do most of your students come from?

From all around the world :)! We have students from: Spain, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Egypt, Ghana, United States, Venezuela, Italy, Romania, Mexico ...

Can I pay for the course in euro in the school?

Yes, it is possible to pay in euro. The price list in euro in available on our webpage. Change is given in złotys.

How can I enrol in the course?

The quickest way is to fill in the application form which is available on our website (here). You can also enrol in our school office. When you book your place on the course, please pay a deposit of 550 PLN - it is a confirmation of your participation in the course.

What is the typical size of the class?

Groups usually consist of 7 to 11 course participants. The minimum size of a group is 4 students, however for a vacation semester the minimum number of participants is 5.

If I am not able to attend all classes, can I get a partial refund?

Single absences do not affect the price of a course. You can make up for missed classes on your own – using the lesson material on your student's panel or during free consultations with your teacher.

What is the deadline for enrolling in the course?

The dates of the courses are provided on our website (here). We enrol students until all places in the groups are taken, which usually happens around a week before the beginning of the course. During the semester it is possible to join existing groups if there are free places in them (this applies only to the groups of higher language levels than beginner groups).

If I resign from taking part in the course, will I get a refund of the amount paid?

If you cancel the course more than three weeks before it begins, you will be reimbursed the full amount that you paid. If you cancel the course less than three weeks before the course begins or up to four weeks after the beginning, you will be reimbursed the amount reduced by the downpayment. The downpayment is not refundable then.

If you cancel the course more than four weeks after the course begins, the payment will not be reimbursed.

In case you were provided with a confirmation of application, on base of which you applied for a visa or residence permit, and afterwards you cancel the course, then the downpayment is not reimbursed, regardless the date of the resignation.

Is there a possibility to receive a discount for the course?

Our students who within the last 5 years took part in a semester or intensive Polish language courses before receive a 50 PLN discount for the course. We also grant a 100 PLN discount to those students who register for two semesters at one go (the discount is granted for the second semester).